Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has told Chelsea to forget about a discount on Maurizio Sarri's buyout clause.
Chelsea, reports Corriere dello Sport, has offered €4m to De Laurentiis to release him from gardening leave - which is half the fee set in the axed coach's contract.
But the movie mogul turned down the offer, insisting Chelsea must pay the full amount.
It's suggested Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made the offer personally to De Laurentiis. There's also a suggestion the Napoli president may relent and accept less if Abramovich includes David Luiz in his next offer.
Chelsea made their move after agreeing personal terms with Sarri over a two-year deal - with the option for a third - on Friday.